[robowombat]

The latest news indicates the transponder was deliberately shut off and the plane ‘diverted’ from its course in a major way. Like 9-11, but what was their target out in the South China Sea, Hong Kong?

[xone]

but what was their target out in the South China Sea, Hong Kong?

If so, they went the wrong way. Stay on course, seize control on approach, and take your pick of targets in Beijing.

[SandwicheGuy]

The latest news indicates the transponder was deliberately shut off and the plane ‘diverted’ from its course in a major way. Like 9-11, but what was their target out in the South China Sea, Hong Kong?

The most likely scenario is the the comms mast on the underside of the fuselage separated from the plane. This seems to be a known weakness due to improper use of adhesives and there is supposedly an AD for this issued by the FAA. With no comms and small hole in the fuselage, the cabin gradually decompresses and incapacitates the crew. They turn back and program the autopilot to descend, then go to sleep. The plane goes down to 3,000 feet, levels off, and flies into the Indian Ocean until the fuel is exhausted.

Occam's' Razor says the simplest explanation is usually the right one.